True Family in Christ

True Family in Christ

Reflection on Luke 8:19-21

In today’s Gospel from Luke 8:19-21, we hear a moment that may at first sound surprising. Jesus’ mother and relatives wanted to see Him, but He responds: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

At first glance, it might seem as if Jesus is dismissing His family, but in reality, He is pointing us to something deeper. He is not rejecting His mother—after all, Mary is the perfect model of someone who listened to God’s word and lived it out. Rather, Jesus is teaching us that true kinship in the Kingdom of God goes beyond blood ties. The true family of Jesus is made up of those who listen to God’s word and allow it to shape their lives.

This challenges us in our daily living. It’s easy to say we love God or that we belong to His family, but Jesus sets a clear condition: we must not only hear the Word but also act on it. Our Catholic faith is not just about attending Mass or praying with our lips—it is about allowing the Word of God to transform how we think, speak, and act.

Mary shows us the perfect example of this. At the Annunciation, she listened to God’s word through the angel and responded with her whole heart: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” She was not just physically the mother of Jesus, but spiritually the greatest disciple of all.

So today, Jesus is inviting each of us to see ourselves as part of His family—not by birth, but by faith and obedience. Each time we forgive, serve the poor, love one another, and live according to His teachings, we take our place among His brothers and sisters.

Key Takeaway:
To truly belong to the family of Jesus, we must not only listen to God’s Word but put it into practice in our daily lives.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be part of Your family. Give us hearts that are open to Your Word and hands ready to put it into action. May we follow the example of Mary, Your mother, who listened and obeyed with love. Make us true sons and daughters of God, living as Your brothers and sisters each day. Amen.